By Abdul Lauya
The Taraba State House of Assembly has defended its decision to approve a N350 billion bond request by Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas.
This development follows an earlier approval of over N200 billion in loans granted to the governor less than a year ago.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among residents and opposition parties in the state.
Majority Leader of the Assembly, Hon. Jethro Yakubu, addressed the concerns while speaking with journalists in Jalingo.
Yakubu stated that the bond request aligns with the provisions of the 2025 Appropriation Bill passed by the Assembly.
He emphasized that the borrowing plan was already detailed in the governor’s budget proposal.
According to him, loan approvals are only granted when they are part of the budget framework.
He credited Governor Kefas for involving the Assembly from the onset of the budget process.
Yakubu praised the governor’s inclusive leadership and commitment to transparency.
He clarified that the bond would be serviced using the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The state’s federal allocation, currently at N20 billion annually, will not be used to repay the bond.
Yakubu described the governor as a strategic leader focused on economic growth and sustainability.
He lauded Kefas as the best governor in Taraba’s history due to his collaborative style.
The Majority Leader said the governor’s approach aims to prevent the common issue of abandoned projects.
He concluded that Kefas’s inclusive governance reflects foresight and a long-term vision for the state.
